This Vijayadashami Very Special, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said this year's Vijaya Dashami is “very special" for the country, an apparent reference to the Army's surgical strikes on terror launch pads across LOC, even as he stressed that a “very capable" armed forces is a must for a strong nation. “We will celebrate Vijaya Dashami in the coming days. This year's Vijaya Dashami is very special for the country," he said, evoking a thunderous applause from the audience at a function at Vigyan Bhavan here.

His remarks came in the backdrop of Indian Army's surgical strikes in POK. He also gave his best wishes to the people on the occasion of the festival that marks victory of good over evil.

The Prime Minister released a compendium of 15 books on the life and teachings of former Jana Sangh chief Deendayal Upadhyay whose birth centenary year is being celebrated by BJP. Modi said Upadhyay's biggest contribution was the concept of organisation-based political party and not a political outfit run by a handful of individuals.

Quoting Upadhyay, the Prime Minister stressed on the need for an exceptionally strong military as a prerequisite for a strong nation and said the country must be a capable one which is a present-day requirement.